Updated 2 years ago
Art by Cate Farrand
Keep this list handy next time you shop for essential oils on Amazon. Check out the Bazaar for suggested products.
1. Reputable Suppliers
I compiled this list from several sources on the Internet. I am not an expert in this category, but my old company Nootropica/Nootrition LLC tested nootropics from China in the 2000s, so I really appreciate the value of testing for products that end up in your body.
This is important because you don’t want to be breathing in something synthetic, or impurities, or worse, carcinogens, and many of the bad ones show up in top results on Amazon – I’m guessing a quarter, and moreso on the cheapest ones – and many are apparently top/featured sellers. Assume many fake reviews, and reviews by clueless people.
Do not blindly trust Amazon’s algorithm for products you eat or breathe!
But first, a note from a friend:
“I only buy direct from local metaphysical stores. I would not trust any online brand. When I’m in NY, there is a fabulous shop I go to. Should be easy to find in most major cities.
[These stores acquire their oils] direct from creators. So, the farms that grow the herbs, etc. There are a variety of ways of distilling, so that would be important. I’d advise setting up a relationship with your local store, so they can advise on source.
Unlike online brands, direct from a grower/distiller means a bit more money for purity and limited supply. I study under a herb specialist and am amazed at the differences…
It really is about getting to know your local shop. If your local shop is carrying what is on Amazon, etc. then that isn’t the type of shop I’m referring to. It should be a shop filled with jars of herbs and bottles of oils that are dispensed per your size request. Not pre-packaged. “
– Anastasia X
Good, and available through Amazon
Cliganic
Eden’s Garden (Probably the best)
Now Foods
Plant Therapy
Pure Body Naturals
Revive
Rocky Mountain (Expensive)
Spark Naturals
Vitruvi
Good, not available on Amazon
Barefut
Florihana
Naturobliss
Public Goods
Simply Earth
Reputable, but no testing or USDA certification
Aura Cacia
Healing Solutions
KateS
Lagunamoon (Great value though and nice gift sets, I got one and was happy)
Mountain Rose
Bad
(Has been shown to be fake/synthetic)
ArtNaturals
Artizen
Esslux
Majestic
Natrogix
Nature’s Truth
Ola Prima
Radha Beauty
Sun
2. Essential Oil types
Beware of suspiciously low prices on expensive ingredients, i.e.. Sandalwood is VERY expensive. Know exactly what type of oil you are getting. This list will be a work in progress, and will include recommended oils.
Cedar comes in 2 types (American and Afro-Asian) and 2 sub-types.
Himalayan – sharp
Atlas – my favorite, rich woody sweet and spicy reminiscent of cedar-lined chests
Virginia juniper – fresh woody
Texan juniper – sweer, balsamic
Clove
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Tea Tree
Wintergreen
3. Essential Oil Expiration
https://www.healthline.com/health/do-essential-oils-expire#average-shelf-life
See also: 21st Century Shaman’s Pouch
